Neener neener, pumpkin eater

Denali and I had big plans for Sunday after our 8-mile run. We were going to eat breakfast. Well, I was going to eat breakfast and he was going to take a nap. If we were feeling up to it, we would pack up the backpack, return some books to the library and stop by the new farmers market next to the library.

But after we, meaning Denali, pooped out and had to detour to the in-laws, I didn't think that was going to happen - any of it.Thankfully, though, it did. After a breakfast of an egg white muffin, apple and coffee, we were able to sufficiently rest before heading out to the library and farmers market - about a 1.5-mile loop. It was hot, really hot with the backpack, and Denali and I ambled slowly to the library. We dropped off my books and headed over to the farmers market.

Except it wasn't a farmers market. No vegetables, no fruit, no plants. It was a parking lot full of vendors and artisans selling jewelry and offering henna tattoos.

"We walked down here for this?!" I asked Denali.

And then I looked forward, where I saw a sign advertising frozen yogurt for dogs outside Green Dog. At least one of us needed to get something out of the walk, so I headed to treat Denali.

"I'd like a frozen yogurt, please. For him," I said, pointing down at Denali. The co-owner headed to the freezer for Denali's treat, and I began to scan the store that I've walked past a million times but never entered. There were bulk containers of dog treats, dog beds and toys and canned food - butternut squash, sweet potatoes ... and pumpkin. Wait. Were they serious? There's pumpkin for dogs - and I can't get any pumpkin. Life. Is. Not. Fair.

When the co-owner returned, I asked her about the pumpkin and its ingredients. "It's just pumpkin puree," she said. "100 percent organic." Just like I'd buy at the store for me? "Yep," she said. Pumpkin shortage be damned! She had three cases on hand (she had heard about the supply issues).

"I'll take a can of the pumpkin, as well," I said as she rang up Denali's treat - Peanut Butter-Papaya Fro Yo.

Denali and I walked home with a bit of a spring in our step. Denali's from the copious treats the other co-owner bestowed upon him. Me? I was excited to have found pumpkin, even if it cost $2.50 a can.

Once we got home, Denali dug into his fro-yo. He seemed to enjoy it as much as I knew he would. Hello, he loves peanut butter. Almost as much as I love pumpkin. As I watched him eat, I thought of ways I could use the pumpkin - oats, smoothies, dessert, yogurt parfaits, straight out of the can with a bit of spice and Truvia.

I don't want to waste an ounce of it so I decided that until I know what I want to do with it that the pumpkin will stay in the cabinet.

What's your favorite way to eat pumpkin?